semiquantitatief

Semiquantitatief refers to a research approach that combines elements of both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. It seeks to provide more detailed insights than purely qualitative methods while offering a degree of numerical measurement or classification that is not present in strictly qualitative studies. The term "semiquantitatief" suggests a method that is not fully quantitative, meaning it does not rely solely on precise numerical data and statistical analysis. Instead, it often involves categorizing or ranking qualitative data to allow for some level of comparison or aggregation.

This approach can be useful in situations where a full quantitative study is not feasible due to limitations in sample size, complexity of the phenomenon being studied, or the need for nuanced understanding. For example, in medical research, semi-quantitative methods might be used to assess the severity of symptoms on a scale (e.g., mild, moderate, severe) rather than assigning precise numerical scores. In social science research, it might involve coding open-ended survey responses into predefined categories and then analyzing the frequency of these categories. The goal is to move beyond simple description to identify patterns and relationships that can be observed and potentially generalized, even without the rigor of full statistical analysis. It occupies a middle ground, offering more structure and analytical potential than purely qualitative work, but less precision than a fully quantitative study.